ANTI-HAZING POLICY
Jackson State University is dedicated to maintaining an environment that promotes academic excellence and the collective responsibility of its community members towards achieving the mission of the university. Therefore, the university has a zero-tolerance policy for hazing to protect the safety and well-being of all students.
Hazing Defined
Criminality of Hazing: As defined by Mississippi, hazing is a crime. Persons involved in hazing may be subject to criminal charges as dictated by state law.
1. Senate Bill No. 2165:
An act to prohibit hazing in the course of another person’s initiation into any organization; to prescribe criminal penalties therefore; and for related purposes. Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Mississippi:
Section 1:
A. A person is guilty of hazing in the first degree when, in the course of another person’s initiation into or affiliation with any organization, he intentionally or recklessly engages in conduct which creates a substantial risk of physical injury to such other person or a third person and thereby causes such personal injury.
B. Any person violating the provisions of subsection (1) of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not more than Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) or imprisonment in the county jail for not more than six (6) months, or both.
C. A person is guilty of hazing in the second degree when, in the course of another person’s initiation into or affiliation with any organization, he intentionally or recklessly engages in conduct which creates a substantial risk of physical injury to such other person or a third person.
D. Any person violating the provisions of subsection (3) of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00).
E. The provisions of this section shall be in addition to other criminal laws, and actions taken pursuant to this section shall not bar prosecutions for other violations of criminal law.
University Disciplinary Rules
Jackson State University complies with all local, state, and federal laws and upheld its commitment through the University Student Code of Conduct. Participation in hazing subjects the individual or organization to university disciplinary actions and may be punishable by law. Violations of the University’s Anti-Hazing Policy are considered a serious offense. Organizations or individuals found responsible for hazing will be adjudicated through the University Judicial process. Organizations or individuals that are found guilty of hazing will result in a sanction of expulsion from the university.
Any violation of university policy or state law should be immediately reported to Public Safety (601-979-2580) and/or the Division of Student Life (601-979-2241).